Local News

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is accepting public comment on the proposed realignment of Illinois Route 1 at Milford. Comments Are welcome through the end of May.

“Iroquois County, Route 1” is where the $9-million project ca be viewed on the IDOT website www.idot.illinois.gov Wayne Phillips is the program development engineer.

The Milford Route 1 realignment is to alleviate flooding issues that have plagued that route over the years. The work proposed includes a bridge over the CSX railroad at the Milford viaduct.

Project manager Ted Fultz provided updated info about the project to local officials. Fultz explains the Milford improvement is part of IDOT’s six-year plan. The next phase will include appraisals and purchasing of required property sites. Fultz does not expect any major disruption of traffic flow or destruction of property. Estimates are, about 16 acres of prime farmland will need to be acquired.

Law enforcement officers are teaming up with DUNKIN DONUTS today for the good of Special Olympics.

Police officers will be on DUNKIN DONUT restaurant rooftops to raise money for Special Olympics. The officers welcome your contributions.

In exchange for your donation, yes, a donut and other refreshments; may a new stainless steel coffee mug. There’s also 2017 Torch Run T-shirts. Hats, pins and raffle tix are also available. A Harley Davidson motorcycle is also being raffled off.

Republican Illinois congressman Adam Kinzinger is breaking with his party’s leadership and is calling for an outside review of President Trump’s recent conduct and the Russian meddling in the November election.

Kinzinger said “We need all the information on what has transpired within the Administration. It’s time to bring an independent eye to this situation, in whatever capacity that may be. This situation has become far too partisan, far too political. Most importantly, we need answers in a fully transparent manner for the future of our country, our safety and the safety of our allies.”

Iroquois County Treasurer, Mindy Kuntz Hagan, has announced that the 2016 payable in 2017 real estate tax statements have been mailed to the taxpayers of Iroquois County.

The deadline to pay the first installment without penalty is June 21, 2017. The second installment due date is August 21, 2017. After the due dates a 1 ½ percent penalty must be added each month it remains unpaid, according to Illinois State Statutes.

The Treasurer’s Office is open 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.

To avoid waiting in line, you may also pay by mail or at any bank in Iroquois County including Iroquois Federal, Commonwealth Credit Union and the First State Bank of Forrest in Onarga. Taxpayers paying in person at the Treasurer’s Office or at the local banks should bring the entire bill if they would like a receipt. Upon payment, the appropriate stub of the bill will be removed and then the date will be stamped on the back of the remaining part of the tax bill. If you mail your payment and wish to have a receipt, you must enclose the entire bill plus a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Credit card payments will be accepted by phone and online starting May 18, 2017. Call the Treasurer’s Office first at 815-432-6985 during office hours to verify the payment amount. Then you will be given the Government Payment Service phone number, website address, and the pay location and authorization codes. Their phone number and the website will be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to receive payments. Fees will be added based on the amount charged, there is a minimum service fee, and all fees are paid to and kept by Government Payment Service.

Members of any United States Armed Forces Reserve Unit can defer their real estate tax payment until 180 days after they return from active duty. This option is available if you are called to active duty for deployment outside the continental United States and if you are on active duty on the due date of any installment of taxes.

Remember that a drop box has been installed at the Administrative Center near the 911 Center so that taxpayers can drop off their payments during non-office hours.

If you have any questions about exemptions, assessed valuations, or address changes, please contact the Assessment Office at (815) 432-6978.

If you have any questions regarding the tax rates, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at (815) 432-6960.

If there are any questions about your tax statements, feel free to call the Treasurer’s Office at (815) 432-6985.